Are you looking for the best place to stay on Oahu for families with kids of all ages? Keep scrolling to read my honest Disney Aulani Resort review.
This Disney Aulani Resort review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Listen, I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times, and I can confidently tell you that Aulani stands in a category by itself.
Not because it’s perfect (spoiler: the food isn’t amazing), but because it’s the only resort where my kids have asked to go back the moment we pulled out of the parking lot.
As a professional tourist who’s explored every corner of the Hawaiian Islands with my family, I know what makes a resort worth the splurge.
And after two stays at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, I have thoughts.
Where You’ll Find Aulani on Oahu
Aulani sits in Ko Olina on Oahu’s leeward (west) coast, about 25 minutes from Honolulu Airport without traffic. With traffic? Plan for an hour.
The location is genius. Ko Olina gets less rain than other parts of Oahu, which matters when you’re paying premium rates.
The dry, sunny weather is exactly why this is one of the best areas to stay on Oahu.
You’ll need either a rental car or shuttle service to get here from the airport. If you’re planning to explore the island, I recommend grabbing a car.
Check out my guide on transportation options from Honolulu Airport to Aulani for specifics.
Want my complete Oahu planning guide with detailed itineraries and insider tips? Grab my Oahu Travel Guide for Families.
The Real Deal on Aulani Rooms (From Our 2-Bedroom Villa)
We lucked into a 2-bedroom villa on our most recent trip because we had to reschedule a Spring 2020 trip. The villa slept nine people, which felt ridiculously spacious for our family of four.
The master suite came with a king bed and a bathroom that included a soaking tub. My kids claimed the second bedroom with two queen beds and their own full bathroom.
What surprised me most? The full kitchen. We only used the microwave and fridge since we were there just four nights, but if you’re trying to save money by cooking in Hawaii, this setup is perfect.
The in-unit washer and dryer saved our trip. We’d been traveling before Aulani and arrived with mountains of dirty laundry. Being able to wash everything without leaving our room made a huge difference.
The lanai stretched forever, with three separate seating areas. We ate breakfast outside every morning, and while we didn’t have an ocean view, the space felt private and peaceful.
Rooms start around $650 per night for the most basic options in 2025, with villas pushing well over $1,000 nightly. DVC members get free parking, which saves $40 daily.
Our previous stay in a standard hotel room was lovely too, just much tighter. The main issue was not having enough space to comfortably eat dinner in the room. But the villas? Those are genuinely special.
Find the best deals for Aulani stays at Get Away Today.
Let’s Talk About the Food (Honestly)
I need to be straight with you. The food at Aulani is fine. It’s Disney-level fine, which means it’s not terrible, but it’s also not what you’d expect from a resort in Hawaii where amazing food is literally everywhere.
Makahiki Character Breakfast
This is where we had our character breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto. The format changed from a buffet to a three-course prix fixe meal, and honestly? It works better.
My kids loved the Mickey waffles (obviously), and the malasadas were a nice Hawaiian touch. The food was good enough that nobody complained, which with kids is basically a win.
Current pricing sits at $55 per adult and $29 per child. Book this 30 days in advance because it fills up fast. Reservations open just after midnight Hawaii time.
Off the Hook
This poolside spot behind the water slide serves exactly what you’d expect: fish tacos, burgers, and a kids menu.
It’s convenient when you don’t want to leave the pool area.
The real draw here is the drinks. Fancy cocktails for adults, fun mocktails for kids. My kids loved their tropical concoctions.
Ulu Cafe
Your grab-and-go headquarters. Located near the pool area across from the coffee stand, Ulu Cafe has pre-packed sandwiches, salads, and snacks. They also grill pizza and hot breakfast items to order.
We hit this spot constantly. Quick, easy, and you can take food back to your room or eat by the pool.
Wailana Pool Bar & Coffee
Every morning, there’s a line here for coffee. Get the Aulani Special with macadamia nut syrup. Trust me.
They also have grab-and-go pastries, some featuring Mickey. Later in the day, come back for frozen drinks. The non-alcoholic pina coladas are fantastic.
Papalua Shave Ice
Okay, so my kids have opinions about Hawaiian shave ice. Strong opinions. They called Aulani’s version a “hot mess,” and they’re not wrong.
It’s more snow cone than authentic shave ice, and the flat-rimmed cups mean melted ice drips everywhere.
The Mickey ear shape is cute for photos, but you’ll need to bite right into it after the picture.
Skip this and find real shave ice elsewhere on Oahu.
Mama’s Snack Stop
We grabbed fish and chips here by the pool, and it was surprisingly good. The food came out faster than expected too.
Nearby Options
You’re not trapped at Aulani for meals.
Walk over to the Four Seasons for their restaurants, or head across the street to Monkeypod Kitchen, which has the best mai tai in Hawaii (seriously, it’s legendary).
Mekiko Cantina offers Mexican food, and Island Country Markets has grab-and-go options.
Why The Pools Make This Resort Worth It
Forget the food. The pool area at Aulani is why families keep coming back.
It’s not one pool. It’s an entire water complex in the middle of the resort, with multiple pools, a lazy river, water slides, and areas for every age group.
The Lazy River
Grab a single or double inner tube and float. You’ll drift under bridges, dodge waterfalls, and enjoy some of the most relaxing moments of your vacation.
My husband and 7-year-old spent hours here. You can also skip the tube and just swim if that’s more your style.
Water Slides
The inner tube slide and body slide near the lazy river were huge hits with my older kid. There are also smaller slides at the Menehune Bridge for younger children.
Menehune Bridge
This wooden play structure is perfect for young kids. Water features everywhere, plus two slides designed for different age groups.
My kids spent so much time here that I actually got to relax in a lounge chair.
Splash Pad
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers go wild here. It’s simple but effective, and little ones love stepping on the water jets.
Rainbow Reef
This private snorkeling lagoon in the pool area has a coral reef at the bottom with tropical fish swimming around. It’s the only private snorkeling lagoon on Oahu.
Current pricing: $30 per day (included with snorkel gear rental) or $50 per adult/$40 per child for length-of-stay access. Equipment and life vest included.
If you don’t want to pay, you can still watch the fish through viewing windows.
Ka Maka Grotto
This infinity pool overlooking Ko Olina Beach is stunning. At night, thousands of lights illuminate the pool, creating something genuinely magical.
‘Alohi Point
Adults-only pool area with two whirlpool spas and an infinity pool. Drop your kids at the kids club and enjoy actual peace.
The Beach and Lagoon Are Perfect for Young Kids
Walk out of the pool area toward the ocean, and you’ll find Aulani’s section of beach. It’s roped off so you know where the resort area begins and ends.
The water here is incredibly calm. Perfect for kids of all ages. We grabbed complimentary sand toys and spent hours building sandcastles.
You can rent cabanas if you want. Poolside cabanas run $600-$750 per day depending on location and size (accommodating 7-12 people), and include a TV, fridge, fruit, bottled water, and shaded seating.
Beachside casabellas (two-seat loungers with awnings) are $85-$265 per day, which is a more affordable option.
Regular complimentary lounge chairs work fine though. Get there early because they fill up fast.
Stand-up paddleboards are available to rent, and you can book catamaran rides right from the beach.
If you want waves for surfing, you’ll need to head to the North Shore. This lagoon is all about calm, family-friendly swimming.
Laniwai Spa is Actually Worth It
I’m not usually a spa person, but the Laniwai Spa at Aulani converted me. The Hydrotherapy Garden alone made it worth booking.
Private soaking pools, multiple types of showers, and a peaceful atmosphere that felt miles away from the pool chaos. Services include massages and facials, and everything I’ve heard from other guests has been positive.
Read my full Laniwai Spa review here.
Ka Wa’a Luau: Better Than Most Oahu Options
There are tons of luaus on Oahu, but the Ka Wa’a Luau at Aulani wins for convenience and quality.
The show weaves Hawaiian myths and stories into the performance beautifully. The dancers are incredibly talented, and the production quality is what you’d expect from Disney.
Current pricing: $175 per adult and $104 per child for general seating, or $204 per adult and $124 per child for preferred seating.
Read my complete Ka Wa’a Luau review.
Shopping at Aulani
Kalepa’s Store is the main gift shop with all the Aulani merchandise. Spirit jerseys, Minnie ears, plushies, and other Disney souvenirs. I always grab a few shirts here.
Hale Manu carries higher-end items like jewelry and designer accessories.
Lava Shack down by the pool has beach gear, swimsuits, and clothing.
The Laniwai Spa sells body products and loungewear.
Store hours vary and they close earlier than you might expect, so don’t wait until your last day to shop.
Meeting Characters Without the Crowds
This is one of my absolute favorite things about Aulani. Character meet-and-greets here have minimal wait times compared to the parks.
Plus, the characters wear Hawaiian outfits that you won’t see anywhere else. Stitch and Angel in Hawaiian clothes? My kids lost their minds.
Check your daily ‘Iwa (the printed schedule delivered to your room) for character appearance times.
I loved that I could check the schedule, line up just a few minutes early, and actually meet characters without spending an hour in line.
My kids’ favorite memory from our trip? Listening to Moana tell stories by the fireside.
Watching them totally absorbed in the storytelling while clutching their Mickey-shaped musubi reminded me why we travel.
Read my full guide to meeting Aulani characters.
The Activities Will Keep Your Kids Busy
When we visited, activities had been scaled back from pre-pandemic levels. But the Menehune Adventure Trail still ran, and it was a huge hit.
Kids borrow an iPad loaded with video clues and solve missions by exploring the pool area. My boys spent hours on this, which gave my husband and me actual time to relax.
Make Your Own Minnie Ears was available, though the timing didn’t work for us. We bought a kit to take home instead.
Pin trading happened every afternoon with a cast member. My 7-year-old loved this.
Ukulele lessons for kids and adults looked amazing, though we didn’t have time. Definitely on our list for next trip.
The amount of complimentary activities included with your stay adds real value, especially for families with elementary-age kids.
Aunty’s Beach House: Free Kids Club That Actually Rocks
This is huge. Aunty’s Beach House offers complimentary childcare for kids ages 4-12, and it’s genuinely good.
You need to register in advance and complete the check-in process with your kids, but then? Drop them off for 1.5-hour blocks throughout the day.
The facility itself is 5,200 square feet of interactive fun. Disney Youth Counselors supervise everything, and there’s a secure check-in/check-out process that rivals Disney Cruise Line’s kids clubs.
My friends who’ve used it rave about the experience. Their kids loved it so much they begged to go back.
There are also premium experiences available for a fee if your kids want something extra special.
Current hours are 8 AM to 2 PM daily, and you can book slots in advance through the Aulani website.
Ko Olina Golf Club
The Ko Olina Golf Club sits within walking distance and ranks among the best golf courses on Oahu.
The course offers just enough challenge without being brutal, plus water features, ocean views, and tropical scenery that makes every hole feel special.
What We Didn’t Love
Let me be real. Aulani is expensive. It’s a splurge resort through and through. We either rent DVC points or wait for sales to make it work financially.
The food is just okay. For a resort in Hawaii, where incredible food is everywhere, this feels like a missed opportunity.
Everything tastes like Disney theme park food, which isn’t bad, but it’s not what you’d hope for at these prices.
Parking costs $40 per day for both self-parking and valet. The only exception is if you’re a DVC member staying on points, which gets you free parking.
If you’re planning to stay at Aulani the entire time and use their shuttle service, skip the rental car. But if you want to explore Oahu? Factor in that daily parking fee.
Would We Recommend Aulani?
Absolutely.
Even with the high cost and mediocre food, Aulani delivers something you can’t get anywhere else. It’s the perfect blend of Disney magic and Hawaiian culture, and the customer service truly shines.
My kids talk about Aulani constantly. They remember the towel animals on their bed, the Mickey-shaped musubi, and listening to stories by the fireside more than they remember some of our other Hawaii trips.
For families who love everything Disney, this resort is absolutely worth experiencing. Even just for a couple of nights.
If you’re looking for Oahu tours with transportation from Aulani, plenty of options exist.
We’ve done several, and the convenience of pickup right from the resort makes exploring the island so much easier.
Book tours and activities on Oahu through Viator or Get Your Guide.
How to Book Aulani
Several options exist for booking:
Kamaaina rates offer up to 40% off for Hawaii residents.
Special packages pop up throughout the year offering discounts on rooms.
DVC point rentals can save you 20-30% compared to booking directly through Disney.
For current availability and best rates, book through Get Away Today.
FAQ
Is Disney Aulani open to the public?
Sort of. The beach in front of Aulani is public. Non-guests can also dine at the restaurants and attend the Ka Wa’a Luau. But pools, character meets, and most activities are exclusive to resort guests.
Do you need a car at Aulani?
It depends on your plans. If you’re staying at the resort the entire time, skip the car and use shuttle services. If you want to explore Oahu, rent a car for a few days or book tours with transportation from Aulani.
How far is Disney Aulani from Pearl Harbor?
About 25 minutes by car without traffic. You’ll need to rent a car or book a Pearl Harbor tour with transportation.
How many days should you stay at Aulani?
We’ve done both 2-night and 4-night stays. Even two days lets you experience the highlights. Ideally, 3-5 days gives you time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed.
What are the best months to visit Aulani?
For the cheapest rates, visit between April and May or September and October. Rates drop and crowds thin out during these shoulder seasons.
Is Aulani all-inclusive?
No. You pay separately for most things. However, many activities, the kids club, and pool amenities are included in your nightly rate.
Is Disney Aulani worth it?
After 40+ trips to Hawaii, I can honestly say yes. The blend of Disney magic and Hawaiian culture creates something special. My kids have never asked to return to any other resort the way they ask about Aulani.
Is there a Disneyland in Hawaii?
No. Aulani is the only Disney property in Hawaii, and it’s a resort, not a theme park.
What island is Aulani on?
Oahu, in the Ko Olina area on the leeward (west) coast, about 30 minutes from Honolulu Airport.
Planning Your Hawaii Trip?
As a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist with over 40 visits to the islands, I can help you plan the perfect vacation.
Book a Hawaii travel consultation and let’s create an itinerary your family will never forget.
Want more Oahu planning help?
My complete Oahu Travel Guide for Families includes detailed daily itineraries, restaurant recommendations, and insider tips for making the most of your trip.
Free planning resources:
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (5-day email course)
- How to Plan a Trip to Oahu (7-day email course)
- How to Plan a Disney Aulani Trip (email course)
Book Your Hawaii Vacation
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Activities and tours: Viator | Get Your Guide
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For more Oahu accommodation reviews, check out my guides to the Alohilani Resort, Hilton Hawaiian Village, best places to stay on Oahu with kids, and cheap Oahu hotels.
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